Patterson, appointed head of Bankwell Financial Group in 2012, has helped grow the New Canaan-based bank's assets from $500 million to $755 million since then.

"It's about keeping in touch with clients, providing value-added services and getting them the kind of help they need to thrive," Patterson said in a press release. "Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. We've got to make sure we serve them well."

Bigelow is the third generation to head a company started by her grandmother in 1945. She spent more than two decades exploring different roles within the company before ascending to the top job.

"I am running a family organization that has a lot of history behind it and a lot of family dedication," Bigelow said in a statement. "I love this business, but I also have 330 families relying on its continuing success so I bring my passion and energy to the office every single day. For me, leadership is really keeping that in the forefront of everything I'm doing."

Mayor Toni Harp is New Haven's first female leader, with 11 previous consecutive state Senate terms.

Over the years, "Conversations" has grown, recognizing women of influence both in and beyond the greater Danbury area. A substantial audience is expected to attend, as in the past; last year's event had more than 300 attendees, said JoAnn Cueva, coordinator of the Women's Business Council. The speakers are posed formal questions by the moderator, but an organic discussion develops between them, said JoAnn Cueva, coordinator of the Women's Business Council.

"It's always an incredibly inspiring event," Cueva said. "You almost feel like you're in a living room listening to all these interesting stories. You always leave feeling `I can take on the world.' "